On Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, Souderton senior Ricki Lee Hodges was recognized at a special news conference for committing to continue her swimming career at Liberty University. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/022515_signings_12_kc
Ricki Lee Hodges – Liberty University (Swimming)
Major: Undecided but possibly Education
Final list of colleges: Liberty, Delaware
Reasons for choosing Liberty: “I chose Liberty after a very long decision process. But I chose it because it is a big school but smaller than schools like Penn State. I knew my athletics would be challenged on an entirely new level and I would receive swimming, academic and spiritual opportunities not possible anywhere else. I always dreamed of swimming at a Division One school, but I never thought I would actually do it.”
What was the progression that led you to continue your swimming career at the collegiate level? “I’ve been swimming since I was four years old, and it was never really a question of whether I was going to do it or not in college. It was kind of just assumed. Everything worked out for the best. There were times throughout high school when I thought I wanted to play water polo in college, but it all worked out to be swimming. It’s just always what I wanted to do.”
My inspiration to be a college athlete: “My parents are my inspiration because they have been my biggest fans and supporters since I started swimming. There is no way that I would be the athlete I am today without them.”
Favorite memory: “Placing seventh at the 2013 PIAA State Championships at Bucknell University in the 200 medley relay and then to be standing on the podium with a medal around my neck.”
Coach Caitlin Warren says: “What’s so awesome about Ricki is she’s not just strong in the pool, she also was a great leader for water polo and a great leader for swimming. She’s one of those athletes that really leads by example. Everybody can see her passion and dedication for both swimming and water polo.
“Another thing that stands out about Ricki is just her work in the weight room. She is so physically and amazingly strong. She would constantly be lifting with the guys in the morning. She’s just one of those athletes that is not afraid to stand alone when she knows what she’s doing is valuable and when she knows she’s doing the right thing. That’s what really makes her stand out. She’s the one that can hang with the guys and work out with the guys.
“At the beginning of the year, I give each kid a goal sheet and ask them what their goals are going to be. Ricki (whose specialty is the breakstroke) listed a couple of goals, and one of them was to learn how to swim the 100 freestyle. How many seniors do you know that say ‘I want to learn to swim the 100 free.’ Just to put a goal like that out there shows that she does have high goals but she also has these goals that make her expand as an athlete, and I think it’s important to not just excel in your favorite event but other events as well. That just shows her versatility.”
About Ricki:
Favorite food: Chipotle
Favorite movie: Divergent
Favorite music: Country & Alternative Rock
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